Australia’s coalmine emissions are increasing. Is this how a major policy to cut climate pollution is meant to work?

About 80% of Australia’s coalmines pumped more emissions into the atmosphere during the last financial year than their government-imposed limit, new data shows. Pictured: A coal stacker pours coal into piles ready for export in Newcastle, NSW. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/REUTERS

Is this how a national scheme to cut climate pollution is supposed to work?

Australian government data released this week shows emissions from Australian coalmines increased last financial year. About 80% of the coalmines pumped more into the atmosphere than their government-imposed limit.